Showing of Helicopter Missions: Vietnam Firefight

The Oklahoma History Center (OHC) is pleased to announce the showing of Helicopter Missions: Vietnam Firefight on Saturday, January 19, from 1 to 3 p.m. The program will be moderated by former Huey helicopter pilot, retired Captain Bob Ford. The cost is included in admission to the OHC.

Helicopter Missions: Vietnam Firefight tells the story of one of the most dangerous helicopter missions of the war. A company of more than 100 South Vietnamese soldiers, led by US Special Forces, had just been ambushed and surrounded by more than 600 North Vietnamese soldiers. The only escape would be by helicopter; only two Huey helicopters are able to answer the call, and they were unarmed. To add to the dire situation, there was no place to land in the 40-foot-high bamboo. They decided to use the blades of their helicopters to chop their own landing zone. After five trips, they managed to rescue every single survivor.

This episode of the Smithsonian Channel series Helicopter Missions is directed by Richard Max, a freelance director, and producer with more than 15 years’ experience overseeing all stages of production. He has written, produced and directed more than 75 hours of broadcast television, including work on channels such as BBC, C4, FIVE, Discovery, National Geographic, and Smithsonian Channel.

The Oklahoma History Center is located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma City. It is a designated Blue Star Museum, offering free admission to all veterans, active duty military and their dependents.  Before or after the showing, attendees are encouraged to tour the museum, including the special exhibit Welcome Home: Oklahomans and the War in Vietnam. That exhibit opened in November 2017 and will remain open until November 2019. For more information about the event, please contact Kathryn Grossman at 405-522-0793 or kgrossman@okhistory.org.